It may sound strange, but true. India does not have a technology that can identify a terrorist if he is in a swanky garb.

Police officers in the know say the lack of such a software makes it difficult to track down modern-day ultras, who sport unique hairstyle and attire.

The present technology supports only 557 outlines of heads, eyes, chins and hairstyles. Officers say beyond that they can't sketch any culprits in the wake of any untoward incident.

Even the much-publicised portrait released by the Portrait Building system of the CID had its drawbacks. Those who helped in creating the portrait of the person alleged to have planted the bomb at the Lumbini Park are reportedly unhappy with the portrait. They feel that the portrait resembles the actual culprit only by 70 per cent.

The software used by investigating agencies is outdated and does not support latest hair styles. In case the terrorist is wearing goggles, a chic T-shirt or even sports a relatively new hair style, the existing software finds it hard to identify the person.

The sketch is not accurate in such circumstances and the similarity between the actual person and the sketch will be just around 60 per cent.

A senior police officer, who sought anonymity, said though the new software costs just Rs 1.5 lakh, there had been a delay in its procurement. He, however, added that they wrote to the government and the new software would be installed soon.

Forensic science experts say that the new software if installed can assure an accuracy of up to 90 per cent.

The role of the Portrait Building System wing is increasing by the day. The role of this wing is not just limited to terrorism. They do portraits in cases of missing persons, kidnaps, and murder. Nation-wide, this wing has done over 6000 sketches since 2004.